Thousands of years ago, Hegra was a bustling trading center of the Nabataean Kingdom, according to ATI. Despite being abandoned for about two millennia, the site still retains incredible architecture, much of it carved into the cliffs. For the first time in 2,000 years, the ancient city of Hegra (now in Saudi Arabia) is open to the public. (Photo source: ATI)According to Smithsonian Magazine, Hegra (sometimes called Mada’in Saleh or Al-Hijr) is an important archaeological site for researchers trying to unlock the mysteries of an ancient empire. Thousands of years ago, Hegra was a bustling trading center famous for its spices and aromatics. Hegra was once home to the Nabataeans, a mysterious people. To this day, Hegra is the largest preserved relic of the Nabataean civilization. The ancient city of Hegra is also known for its great wealth and influence, especially since it once controlled many important trade routes in the region. The ancient city has 111 massive tombs, many of which are elaborately decorated. A sundial was found at Hegra. For a long time, Hegra was closed to the public for research purposes. But now, visitors can feel free to explore the grounds and admire the spectacular architecture that remains in the city.Despite being abandoned for some two millennia, the site still retains incredible architecture.“For a visitor to Hegra, you need to know more than just see the tombs and inscriptions and leave without knowing who created them and when,” said David Graf, a Nabataean expert, archaeologist and professor at the University of Miami.There is no doubt that the Nabataeans were the most famous early inhabitants of the area, but they were not the only ones to leave their mark there.Several different ancient languages have been found inscribed throughout the land, including Latin and Greek.But of all the people who lived in the area, the Nabataeans are certainly the most enigmatic.“They were creative, innovative, imaginative, pioneering. “That really amazed me,” Graf said. >>> Readers are invited to watch more videos: Revealing the mysterious city of 2,000 years that humanity has never known
Thousands of years ago, Hegra was a bustling trading center of the Nabataean Kingdom, according to ATI. Despite being abandoned for about two millennia, the site still retains incredible architecture, much of it carved into the cliffs. For the first time in 2,000 years, the ancient city of Hegra (now in Saudi Arabia) is open to the public. (Photo credit: ATI)
According to Smithsonian Magazine, Hegra (sometimes called Mada’in Saleh or Al-Hijr) is an important archaeological site for researchers trying to decipher the mysteries of an ancient empire.
Thousands of years ago, Hegra was a bustling trading center famous for its spices and aromatics.
Hegra was once inhabited by the Nabataeans, a mysterious people.
To this day, Hegra is the largest preserved monument of the Nabataean civilization.
The ancient city of Hegra was also known for its great wealth and influence, especially since it once controlled many important trade routes in the region.
This ancient city has 111 massive tombs, many of which are elaborately decorated.
Sundial found at Hegra.
For a long time, Hegra was closed to the public for research purposes.
But today, visitors can freely explore the grounds and admire the spectacular architecture that remains in the city.
Despite being abandoned for about two millennia, the site still retains incredible architecture.
“For a visitor to Hegra, you need to know more than just see the tombs and the inscriptions and leave without knowing who created them and when,” said David Graf, a Nabataean expert, archaeologist and professor at the University of Miami.
There is no doubt that the Nabataeans were the most famous early inhabitants of this area, but they were not the only ones to leave their mark there.
Many different ancient languages have been found engraved throughout this land, including Latin and Greek.
But of all the people who lived in this area, the Nabataeans were certainly the most mysterious.
“They are so creative, innovative, imaginative, pioneering. That really amazes me,” Graf said.
